Kobe blisters OKC for 36 in Lakers’ comeback victory

After struggling to keep pace with the younger and more athletic Oklahoma City Thunder in the first two games of the series earlier this week, the Los Angeles Lakers decided a tempo change would help them climb back into the series.

The Lakers went slower and got a huge effort from Kobe Bryant to notch a 99-96 victory over the Thunder Friday night, pulling them within 2-1 in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals.

Bryant produced a game-high 36 points, including a team-record 18 of 18 from the foul line in the comeback victory.

”We did a good job of controlling the pace of the game and being physical,” Bryant told the Associated Press. ”It’s not taxing, it’s fun. It’s a challenge, and we all enjoy that. I know I certainly do. You want to be against an opponent that you respect, and you know is going to bring it physically and emotionally.”

They Lakers finished on a 12-4 spurt, taking advantage of scintillating 41 of 42 foul shooting effort in the victory as they move into Saturday’s back-to-back with hopes of evening the series. It will be the Lakers’ 11th game in the last 21 games.

”It’s in us,” Lakers forward Pau Gasol told the AP. “We want to win this series, we want to beat this team, and we will do whatever it takes. Obviously, we know how hard it is going to be, but we are ready for it.”

STUDS

Los Angeles Lakers G Kobe Bryant: Erupted for a game-high 36 points including 18 for 18 foul shooting, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and was plus-11 in the Lakers’ victory over Oklahoma City.